Our Family Happenings

We awoke last Saturday to this beautiful display of frosted trees. The night before was 14* cold, dreary and foggy. But this – this was spectacular. It was a breathtaking display during our long car ride to see my brother on his birthday.

Michael turned 15. (He’s red #13 pictured above.) That is so odd to me to say, because that is the same age I was when my mom told me she was pregnant with him, and it is exactly half my age now. I am so proud of the man he’s becoming. He’s fabulous with my kids, he’s a sweetheart and loves hugs, and he’s as smart as a whip – just like our dad. We went to his basketball game – which they won and we all enjoyed watching.

A side note: Breastfeeding in public has become much easier 7 months down the road. I have my homemade nursing covers and Jonathan just goes with the flow. However, he now thinks it is fun to reach his hand up and out to wave at anyone who may be looking!

For Valentine’s Day we took the kids to our timeshare resort’s pool. It was fabulous fun, especially as other families came in with their little kiddos. It wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be handling all those babies of mine. Afterwards we went out to eat, somewhere our kids wouldn’t ruin another couple’s valentine meal with their antsy legs and voices. While Tom and I enjoy a quiet evening out, this turned out to be the best day for us all.

Paul Bunyan greeting us as we enter Brainerd, MN.

Also, a cool display inside the welcome center.

My swimmers are so brave now, wanting to be on their own.

Jonathan was my swimming buddy, but Daddy took him for his first dip ever. He didn’t like it at first, but we soon found out he’s a splasher!

Monday we went to Jamie’s house for our homeschool co-ops’ valentines party. She was so gracious to have 26 kids and their mom’s in her home. We had a wonderful time and the kids are still enjoying their valentine’s cards and treats.

Jonathan is my little “Heartbreaker” and Sabrina was a playful wanderer. But nobody strayed when it was time to eat the mouthwatering giant cookies Jamie had prepared. And when the sugar buzz set in, we sent them outside for some snow play.